A new 18-month learnership opportunity is open for unemployed South African youth who want to enter the financial services and insurance industry without needing previous work experience. With a R9,000 stipend, structured training, and real workplace exposure, this programme could be a strong first step into a professional call centre career.
The Hastings Direct Learnership Opportunities 2026 are open through OUTsurance for unemployed South African youth who want practical call centre experience in the financial and insurance sector. The 18-month programme offers workplace training, a fixed-term learnership agreement, and a monthly stipend of R9,000.
For young people who have been searching for a real entry point into the working world, this opportunity stands out because no previous work experience is required.
It is designed for applicants who are ready to learn, communicate professionally, and build confidence in a structured customer-focused environment.
What is the Hastings Direct Learnership 2026 about?
The Hastings Direct Learnership is a structured work-based programme offered through OUTsurance.
It gives unemployed youth the chance to gain workplace exposure, develop practical call centre skills, and build experience that can support future career growth in the financial and insurance industry.
Successful applicants will enter into a fixed-term learnership agreement, not a permanent employment contract.
The role is listed as a FAIS: Non-Financial Advice Giving Role, which means learners will be part of a regulated financial services environment but will not be giving financial advice.
How much is the stipend?
Learners selected for the programme will receive a stipend of R9,000.
This makes the opportunity especially valuable for unemployed youth who want to gain experience while receiving financial support during the learnership period.
The programme is aimed at people who are passionate about call centre work and want to use the learnership as a stepping stone into the insurance industry.
Who can qualify for this learnership?
To be considered, applicants must meet the basic requirements listed by OUTsurance and INSETA.
Applicants need to have:
- Matric
- Computer literacy, especially Microsoft Office
- No previous work experience required
- South African citizenship
- No previous participation in an INSETA learnership
- Age between 18 and 35
- Unemployed status for the last 6 months
This is a strong opportunity for first-time applicants because the company clearly states that work experience is not required.
What skills are OUTsurance looking for?
OUTsurance is looking for learners who can show strong personal and workplace qualities.
The ideal applicant should have good interpersonal skills and be able to build positive relationships with others.
Applicants should also be able to communicate clearly, take initiative, respond well to change, and stay motivated while learning.
Because the role is linked to call centre work, learners must also be able to multitask and handle pressure in a professional way.
What working hours should applicants expect?
Learners must be prepared to work according to a pre-determined roster.
The expected shifts include:
- Friday to Monday shifts of 9 hours
- Saturday shifts of 8 hours
- Sunday shifts of 5 hours
Learners will receive two weekdays off, which may fall on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday.
One day each week will also be dedicated to full qualification training on-site.
Will learners work on public holidays?
Yes, learners may be required to work a full day on South African public holidays if they are scheduled to work on that day.
However, this does not apply if the day is a public holiday in the United Kingdom.
This is important for applicants to understand before submitting their application, especially because the role includes weekend and public holiday scheduling.
Why is this opportunity worth considering?
OUTsurance has been part of the South African insurance industry for 28 years and is known for its strong digital focus and people-centred workplace culture.
The learnership gives young people the chance to gain practical experience inside a professional company while developing skills that are useful in customer service, call centre support, and financial services.
Itumeleng’s Insider Tip: Before submitting your application, make sure your CV clearly shows your Matric qualification, computer literacy, communication skills, and willingness to work shifts. Since no experience is required, your attitude, reliability, and readiness to learn can make a strong difference.
How can applicants submit their application?
Applications for the Hastings Direct Learnership must be completed online.
Applications must be submitted through the official OUTsurance online application portal.
Applicants should prepare a clear CV and ensure all personal details are correct before submitting.
No closing date was provided in the available listing, so interested applicants should submit as soon as possible.
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Final Thoughts
The Hastings Direct Learnership 2026 is a valuable opportunity for unemployed South African youth who want to gain formal workplace experience without needing previous employment history.
With a R9,000 stipend, structured training, and exposure to the insurance sector, this programme offers more than just experience — it offers a practical starting point for building confidence and career direction.
For applicants who meet the INSETA requirements and are ready for shift-based call centre work, this learnership is worth serious attention.
